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The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
Osborne is informing Chase of the many obsticles that Chase will have to face in his search for English support.
Date
3-29-1824
City
Edisto, SC
Keywords
England voyage, Bp. Hobart, Ohio, college
Recommended Citation
Osborne, Thomas, "Letter to Philander Chase" (1824). Philander Chase Letters. 301.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/301
Rights Statement
Transcript
Edisto So. Carolina March 29th 1824
Right Reverend and dear Sir
Your affectionate and affection letter of [December] 11th. nlt. dated London, I received through Bp Bowen a few days since. The credit which you were [pleased] to give me, for the interest you are assured I feel both for your personal happiness and the success of your important mission, was no more than an act of justice. It is indeed a matter of the [?] astonishment how sympathies of this nature [?] than common to every episcopalian [?] pray for the peace and prosperity [?] Zion, especially as it is situated and the woods and [?] of the west. And it is [?] to be lamented, that “a great of God, which is not according to knowledge” should display its intemperance in one of the highest [dignatories] of the church in Ohio country at a time--in a place and in opposition to a cause the most unseasonable and [unseemly].
Personal influence, local prejudices and professional connection have unfortunately destroyed much of that spirit of [muchness] and moderation which particularly in the Prelatical order, is expected to be exercised upon all occasions for the peach, order, and stability of our primitive church. They have given rise to a tone of dictatorial authority indicative of claims which, in the ecclesiastical government of the church in America, are most recognized beyond the geographical limits of each individual diocese.
Bishop Hobart has occupied the arena both of the private and polemic controversy. For many years, and the acidity of temper which on habitual warfare is but to [a well] calculated to produce united with the accomplishment of particular views which are certainly closely associated with one [very] dominant principle of human nature have conspired to situate his policy, warp his judgment and I fear to affect the unity of the church. It has been a emprise to some. Now Bp. H. in his letter to you on the subject of your voyage to England could have committed himself so far as to take notice and throw out any intimation, respecting what “[?] you might do, to justify the representations [?] more of your susposition [sic] and views at the theme the question of your consecrations was agitated when the wound which was inflicted, at the [time] when “the question of his own consecration was agitated, is not yet healed. These observations should have been omitted and many others besides for they had but little connection with the advice and [friendly] communication which a brother Bishop should have given. If the cause were one that had a tendency to [dismember] the church in this country--were the motives of your conduct such as might even possibly become absorbed in personal considerations--were the object to be effected one which could otherwise be accomplished by an appropriation of resources which you could command or obtain by solicitation at home, then would there be [ro?] indeed. I would not say for the low resort of hand bill expositions, but for a unanimous dignified opposition.
But the cause is that of thousands who are titually perishing for lack of spiritual aliment and who have cried in vain for help to their [Att?ick] brethren, it is one which, if successful, is in every essential point put under the control of the house of Bishops and for the establishment of which you have given up your landed property. And is there danger here the pious youth of the new [states in] the West are too poor to incur the express [?] education at New York, and they will not, is it [?] consistent or just that [?] be presented from making provisions for the [?]? The pious youth of New [?] and the [?], are accustomed to [its different] manners--different living and different expectations and therefore they will not undergo [?sionary] fatigue and privations which they must expect who will undertake to make the wilderness bud and blossom as the rose, experientia docet.
And is there not necessity here.
Alas my dear Sir, these are truths the lamentable effects of which, now can realize who have not witnessed the leanness and sorrows which your strength has been wasted in healing. But even here the tale of woe is [1/2] untold; one and another of the [first] who had to bear the burden and heat of the day are dropping from the stage. But a few days ago I wiped the cold dews of death from one who was dear to the church and dear to us both. Calm, dignified and [resigned] as the faithful servant of Jesus should be our beloved Philander left us or (I think) the first of [March] steadfast in faith and rejoicing in hope. May the God of peace and of power shield you from all harm both ghostly and bodily and restore you in health to the bosom of your family and the cordial [embraces] of your affectionate tho persecuted proper.
Very affectionately,
Thomas Osborne